Join Mike and Terri Miller for this incredible journey to Turkey. Step into the land where empires rose, apostles walked, and the early church took root. This remarkable journey through Turkey weaves together breathtaking landscapes, world-class archaeology, and profound biblical history. From the majestic skyline of Istanbul and its iconic wonders—Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace—to the otherworldly beauty of Cappadocia, you’ll encounter the land of the New Testament with fresh eyes.

Walk in the footsteps of Paul in Lystra, Iconium, Pisidian Antioch, and Ephesus. Stand inside ancient churches where some of the earliest believers worshiped, prayed, and persevered under persecution. Explore all seven churches of Revelation—Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea—and feel the power of Jesus’ messages delivered to these real places and real people.

Along the way you’ll experience unforgettable cultural highlights: optional hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia, vibrant bazaars, legendary Turkish craftsmanship, panoramic mountain vistas, healing pools, and some of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Comfortable hotels, delicious meals, expert guides, and seamless transportation make this not just a tour, but a pilgrimage—one that will deepen your faith, expand your understanding of Scripture, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’ve ever wanted the Bible to “come alive,” this is your moment.
Reserve your place today—and prepare for a journey you will never forget.

Our journey begins as we board our overnight flight to Istanbul. Meals served on board.

Welcome to Istanbul. Once we clear customs, we will connect with our guide and drive through the city to check in and relax at our hotel. During your drive, your tour guide will unpack some of the basic history of Istanbul and point out interesting geographical and cultural features. If your flight arrives early enough, you will have an opportunity to stretch your legs at the famous GRAND BAZAAR. This is the largest and oldest covered market in the world. With over 4,000 shops spread across a maze of winding streets, you will find everything from carpets and jewelry to spices and souvenirs. The bustling atmosphere offers a glimpse into centuries of trade and culture, and your guide will provide tips to help you navigate and enjoy this unforgettable shopping experience. Dinner and overnight at your hotel. 

Depart from the hotel to visit the historical highlights of Istanbul, including the ROMAN HIPPODROME, where the chariot track was built in AD 203 by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus on the model of the Circus Maximus in Rome. No stadium, ancient or modern, was ever so famous, or played such an important role in its city’s public life. Much more went on here than just chariot races and the athletic events. You will also marvel at the Egyptian obelisk from around 1450 B.C. that was transported here by the Roman emperor Constantius II.

Next, you walk across the street to the BLUE MOSQUE. This massive structure, officially called the Sultan Ahmet Camii-the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, is studded with domes and surrounded by six minarets. Only after entering do you understand the name. The interior is decorated with 21,043 shimmering blue Iznik tiles and interspersed with 260 stained-glass windows; an airy arabesque pattern is painted on the ceiling.

Following this visit, we will stop at the ST. SOPHIA MUSEUM, The greatest church in Christendom for more than a millennium, with a huge dome, massive pillars, and magnificent wall mosaics, the 1,500-year-old HAGIA SOPHIA is one of the most magnificent buildings ever constructed. Inside, you will also find an amazing mosaic of Jesus whose eyes will follow you wherever you go. It is believed Michelangelo was first inspired by this work to create the famous Mana Lisa painting.

Today we will also visit the vast TOPKAPI PALACE, Istanbul’s number one attraction, which sits on Seraglio Point, where the Bosphorus meets the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. This palace was the heart of the Ottoman Empire for more than four centuries. This former imperial palace of the sultans holds priceless jewels, porcelain, paintings, costumes, royal armory, and holy relics.

Today’s visit in this ancient city will lay the foundational historical knowledge you will need to fully grasp the significance of the region and the early Christian church in modern day Turkey. If there is time, your guide will lead you to the famous spice market where you can shop for local spices. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

This morning we leave our hotel to catch our flight to Kayseri and then enjoy a short drive to Cappadocia. After lunch we will experience the breathtaking beauty of Cappadocia on a panoramic drive with stops at five of its most iconic locations. Marvel at the THREE FAIRY CHIMNEYS, the region’s most famous natural rock formations shaped by centuries of wind and water. Stroll through the charming VILLAGE OF ORTAHISAR, crowned by its towering stone castle. Capture sweeping views of PIGEON VALLEY, named for the ancient dovecotes carved into its cliffs. Explore the striking FORT OF UÇHISAR, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering a spectacular vantage over the landscape. Conclude at GÖREME VALLEY, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where cave dwellings and churches carved into soft volcanic rock tell the story of early Christian life. This scenic journey showcases the very heart and wonder of Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Cappadocia.

For those who are interested in an early start and an optional hot air balloon ride, you will be picked up at the hotel in the early morning hours and then returned to join your group and the day’s itinerary shortly after breakfast. Please note the hot air balloon ride is NOT INCLUDED in the price of your trip and can only be purchased and scheduled through your guide for those who are interested. Everyone else will enjoy a few extra hours of sleep.

After breakfast, the entire group will head out to explore the ZELVE OPEN AIR MUSEUM and GÖRME OPEN AIR MUSEUM; Göreme, ancient Karaman, was one of the great centers of Christianity from the 6th century AD to the 12th century AD, and there were about 400 churches around. The architectural design of the churches tended to follow the accepted Byzantine patterns with arches, pillars and dome. The St.Basil’s, the Apple, the St. Barbara, the Serpent (St. Onophrius), the Carikli (Sandals) are the churches to see within the open-air museum, and the Tokali (Buckle) church outside of it. Today you will also take a tour and learn how the famous Turkish rugs are made. For those who want to, you can purchase a rug and have it shipped back to your residence in the United States. If time permits we will also do some additional souvenir shopping today. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast we depart for the city of Konya. On our way we will stop at SULTANHANI, which was a refuge for caravans on the Silk Road. Next we will visit the MEVALANA MUSEUM which is dedicated to the mystic philosopher and poet Rumi. Here we will witness the famous Turkish whirling dervishes.

We continue with a drive into ancient LYSTRA. This was likely the hometown of Timothy and served as a market town of Lycaonia in south-central modern-day Turkey. Paul preached here on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:6-22). After he healed a lame man, the superstitious citizens immediately assumed that he was Hermes (messenger of Zeus) and Barnabas was Zeus himself (same as the Roman god Jupiter). There was a temple to Zeus near the gates of the city, and a statue of Hermes dedicated to Zeus was found here as well.

Next we continue our drive to ICONIUM. Here Paul and Barnabas boldly preached the gospel despite opposition (Acts 14). Many believed here, but persecution also arose. Their ministry here reminds us that the message of Jesus always advances, even in the face of persecution. Next we head to our hotel in Koyna for dinner and overnight. 

This morning, our tour leads us to PISIDIAN ANTIOCH, where Paul and Barnabas ministered together. It was here in the synagogue that they traced God’s promises from Israel’s history to their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While some rejected the message, others rejoiced, and the gospel began to spread to the Gentiles (Acts 13:42-52).

Next we drive to LAODICEA. Here you will walk among the ruins and explore the once magnificent Roman streets. As you walk along these streets look for the ancient Chi-Ro’s and Ichthus (fish) markings that identify homes and shops as belonging to early believers. We will also walk inside one of the largest and oldest known Christian churches and gaze at its magnificent mosaic floors and ancient baptistry.

Here in this ancient city, you will also find a large Villa that is believed to be the earliest known house church ever discovered. Take a moment to sit here, read scripture (Rev. 3:14-22), and pray as ancient persecuted believers did thousands of years ago. Before you leave make sure you climb the steps of the ancient temple and view the massive temple treasure vault that can be seen through the glass floor. Dinner and overnight stay in Pamukkale.

This morning we get an early start as we prepare to visit HIERAPOLIS. While not one of the 7 churches of Revelation, this city was the home of Phillip, and your guide will unpack some amazing biblical truths from this place. You will be able to gaze at the amazing healing waters the city was known for, and the calcium-rich hillside that glows white in the morning sun. The trek to the top of the ancient theater can be challenging, but golf carts can be rented for those needing assistance. Your guide will point out the monument to Philip, who was martyred here for his faith. If time permits, you can also walk to the far end of the ruins and explore the ancient cemetery that was in this city.

Next, we drive to PHILADELPHIA for a short stop. The Philadelphia church has a small set of ruins located in what is now the city of Alaşehir, Turkey. Though ancient Philadelphia is mostly buried, with only foundation stones and a few Roman columns remaining, a Byzantine basilica built later is dedicated to St. John and has three surviving pillars. This is a great place to read the letter Jesus sent to this church in Revelation 3:7-13.

Our final stop today will be in SARDIS. Once a wealthy and powerful capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, Sardis was known for its riches and influence. Here you will walk among impressive ruins, including the massive gymnasium complex, the restored synagogue, and remnants of the grand temple of Artemis. This setting provides a powerful backdrop to reflect on the warning Jesus gave the church here in Revelation 3:1–6, calling them to wake up and strengthen what remained.

Dinner and overnight in Izmir. 

Our first stop today will be in SMYRNA. While Smyrna does not have the most impressive ruins above ground, this ancient site gives us an amazing view of what existed below ground level in this city. Take time to read Revelation 2:8-11 and reflect on the life and impact of this early Christian community.

Our journey continues to PERGAMON, a city once known for its great library, medical center, and towering acropolis. You will see the steepest theater ever discovered which is built into the hillside of the city. This site is home to the remains of ancient temples, and the impressive altar site that was “Satan’s throne” mentioned in Revelation 2:12–17. From the heights of Pergamon you will look out over the valley below, while your guide unpacks the powerful message Jesus gave to this church, urging them to remain faithful in the midst of compromise.

We then travel to THYATIRA, a city once known for its trade guilds and production of purple dye. Though only modest ruins remain, including sections of an ancient basilica, this site provides a vivid backdrop to reflect on the church addressed in Revelation 2:18–29. Here Jesus commended their love and service, yet warned them against false teaching and compromise. Standing among the scattered stones, your guide will help bring this important message to life.

Dinner and overnight in Izmir. 

Depart from the hotel for a short drive to the nearby town of Selcuk to visit the remains of the ancient city EPHESUS. Being a city of pure white marble and offering a full range of business and entertainment opportunities, the city of Ephesus rivaled Rome and Alexandria in its glory. For pagans, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the nearby ARTEMIS TEMPLE drew pilgrims from around the world. About a quarter of a million people lived here at its height during the Roman and the early Byzantine Periods. The Council building, the City Hall, the Temple of Hadrian, the Public Toilets, the Brothel, the Celsus Library, the Marble Road, the Agora, the Theater and the Arcadian street are some of the highlights of the city to be seen.

According to some, the Virgin Mary spent her last days here in Ephesus. While we won’t visit the house of Mary our tour will allow us to stop at the CHURCH OF MARY located on the outskirts of the Ephesus archaeological site. It was here in this place that the second great Ecumenical Council was held in 431 A.D. This council was primarily convened to discuss and settle the debate concerning the humanity and divinity of Christ.

Our final stop will be the BASILICA OF ST. JOHN. The remains of the Cathedral Church of St. John lie on the Ayasuluk Hill. This 6th-century AD church, built by the Emperor Justinian, replaced an earlier chapel that had covered the grave of St. John. St. John is believed to have lived in Ephesus before and after his exile on the island of Patmos.

We will end the day here by taking time to visit one of Turkey's famous leather shops. 

Dinner and overnight in Izmir.

This morning we depart for home. Our driver and guide will take us to the airport in Izmir where we will board a plane for a short domestic flight to Istanbul. In Istanbul, we will connect to our international flight back to the States.